Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 is an organization established to support the interests of the downtown Milwaukee business community. Created in 1998 through private sector leadership, Milwaukee Downtown is a business improvement district that oversees 150 blocks representing approximately 500 property owners in the center of downtown Milwaukee.
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined geographic area where property owners agree to assess themselves annually to fund specific programs and projects. Through BID #21 assessments, Milwaukee Downtown funds specific initiatives aimed at creating a clean, safe and friendly downtown.
BID #21 represents one square mile, the boundaries of Milwaukee Downtown are 10th Street on the west, Lake Michigan on the east, Schlitz Park on the north and St. Paul Avenue on the south.
Click here to download Milwaukee Downtown's Five-Year Strategic Plan, 2012 - 2017.
Click here to download the 2009-2010 Downtown Economic Status Report as a PDF.
Click here to download the 2008 Milwaukee Downtown Annual Report as a PDF.
Click here to download the 2007 Milwaukee Downtown Annual Report as a PDF.
Click here to download the 2006 Milwaukee Downtown Annual Report as a PDF.
Click here to download the 2005 Milwaukee Downtown Annual Report as a PDF.
MissionWe lead and inspire believers in Milwaukee to engage in efforts that build Downtown as the thriving, sustainable, innovative, and vibrant heart of the community.
Vision
Milwaukee Downtown is an economic catalyst. Downtown emerges as a premier destination of choice. Milwaukee becomes a renowned world-class city.
Top Priorities
Downtown Economic Development Leader
Reposition BID #21 as a driver of economic prosperity of Milwaukee's Downtown.
Nighttime Economy Initiatives
Fully implement recommendations and action priorities of the Responsible Hospitality Task Force.
Internal Organizational Capacity
Invest in expanded staffing and resources in order to maintain existing levels of excellent service while strengthening the BID's leadership role in Downtown economic development.
Goals
- Expand BID #21’s leadership position in growing the economy in Downtown Milwaukee.
- Be a catalyst for an effective, feasible, affordable, accessible, and connected transportation and parking system.
- Continue and expand efforts that make Downtown Milwaukee a safe destination.
- Brand and consistently market Downtown Milwaukee to targeted constituencies.
- Harness the energy and vibrancy of downtown residents, young professionals and other downtown believers to position them for leadership roles in the Downtown community.
Executive Director
bweirick@milwaukeedowntown.com
Patricia Abram
Assistant to the Executive Director
pat@milwaukeedowntown.com
Steve Looft
Director of Economic Development
slooft@milwaukeedowntown.com
Leah Thomas
Marketing & Events Coordinator
lthomas@milwaukeedowntown.com
Chair
Joseph G. Ullrich
US Bank
Vice-Chair
Gerald Rappaport
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
Secretary
Kevin Kennedy
Northwestern Mutual
Assistant Secretary
Joseph T. Weirick
CRP Commercial Services
Treasurer
Kevin Behl
Madison Medical Affiliates
Immediate Past Chair
Thomas G. Bernacchi
Towne Realty Inc.
Tammy Babisch
Reit Management & Research
Juan Carrasquillo
We Energies
Katie Falvey
The Marcus Corporation
John Grunau
Schlitz Park
Dextra A. Hadnot
AT&T Wisconsin
William E. Halper
Thompson National Properties
George Meyer
Kahler Slater
Phyllis M. Resop
Pentagon Property Management
Paul E. Ruby
The BON TON Stores, Inc.
Scott Welsh
Inland Companies, Inc.
William O. Zeidler
BMO Harris Bank
Ex-Officio Members
Daniel T. Keegan
Milwaukee Art Museum
Paul Upchurch
VISIT Milwaukee
Emeritus
Gary P. Grunau
Grucon group, Inc.
